Royal Mail is warning people to be cautious about red pieces of paper being posted through letterboxes, as fraudsters are using fake delivery notices to target unsuspecting Brits. The company serves around 32 million homes and businesses and regularly posts red slips when a delivery is missed, but data consistently shows it is the most frequently impersonated brand in the UK.
Fake slips with fraudulent QR codes
Scammers have been dropping cards through letterboxes that look almost identical to genuine Royal Mail delivery notices, asking for fees to redeliver parcels. The fake slips contain fraudulent QR codes or links that request a small 'redelivery' or 'customs' fee, which many people pay without thinking twice.
The codes lead to a fake website that looks identical to the Royal Mail site and steals bank details once entered, allowing scammers to take money from victims.
Campaign to raise awareness
Royal Mail has taken to social media as part of a campaign to make people aware of the issue, asking whether viewers have recently received one of the company's updated 'Something For You' cards. While most are genuine, some have been used to trick people into handing over personal details.
A social media post from the company reads: "Scam texts, emails, websites and cards can look convincing. They often claim there’s an issue with your parcel and pressure you to act fast. Before you click a link, scan a QR code or make a payment, take a moment to check for the warning signs."
How to spot a genuine slip
Royal Mail confirms that genuine 'Something For You' cards are left after a postie's delivery attempt and always include a QR code to help manage the next steps of getting a delivery. The company advises: "If you're unsure, don't click any links or scan any QR codes. Instead, go directly to our website or app where you can enter your reference number to track your item and find the latest delivery information."
While there are times when people may need to pay a fee for an item, such as if the postage was incorrect, this results in a separate grey-coloured 'fee to pay card' and is not on the red slip. The company adds: "A standard red slip will never request payment. The grey cards will have instructions to pay at a physical Post Office branch, rather than making demands for digital card payments via text, email links, or QR codes."
